Composition and method for preventing moss growth on roofs

Abstract

A penetrant composition for applying to and penetrating into weather exposed surface materials to prevent moss growth thereon is described. The composition is an aqueous solution containing Na 2 O, SiO 2 and a surfactant for increasing the permeability of the composition into the surface material. A method of protecting weather exposed surface material from moss growth thereon is also described. The method involves the steps of providing a composition including water, Na 2 O, SiO 2 and a surfactant. Approximately 1 gallon of the composition is applied per 100 square feet of surface to be protected. The composition is allowed to dry on and in the surface material at ambient temperatures.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A penetrant composition for applying to and penetrating into a porous weather exposed surface material to prevent moss growth and to render the surface fire resistant, the composition consisting essentially of: an aqueous solution having a pH of at least 11.0 containing a weight ratio of SiO 2  and Na 2  O in the range Of 1.5 to 3.3 wherein the combined concentration of Na 2  O and SiO 2  in the solution is between 10% and 30% (W/V);   a surfactant composition including an amide moiety which is capable of increasing the permeability of the penetrant composition into the surface material without causing the Na 2  O and SiO 2  to precipitate; and   a colorant in sufficient concentration to visibly color the composition.   
     
     
       2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the concentration of the surfactant composition in the penetrant composition is approximately between 0.20% and 0.50% (V/V). 
     
     
       3. The penetrant composition of claim 1 wherein the surfactant composition is a blend of hydrotopic surfactants. 
     
     
       4. A penetrant composition for applying to and penetrating into a porous weather exposed surface material to prevent moss growth and to render the surface fire resistant, the composition comprising: an aqueous solution having a pH of at least 11.0 containing Na 2  O and SiO 2  wherein the combined concentration of Na 2  O and SiO 2  is between 10% and 30% (W/V); and   a surfactant composition which is capable of increasing the permeability of the penetrant composition into the surface material without causing the Na2O and SiO 2  to precipitate, wherein the surfactant composition includes an amide.   
     
     
       5. A penetrant composition for applying to and penetrating into a porous weather exposed surface material to prevent moss growth and to render the surface fire resistant, the composition comprising: an aqueous solution having a pH of at least 11.0 containing Na 2  O and SiO 2  wherein the combined concentration of Na 2  O and SiO 2  is between 10% and 30% (W/V); and   a surfactant composition which is capable of increasing the permeability of the penetrant composition into the surface material without causing the Na 2  O and SiO 2  to precipitate, wherein the composition further comprises a colorant.   
     
     
       6. A penetrant composition for applying to and penetrating into a porous weather exposed surface material to prevent moss growth thereon, the composition consisting essentially of water, Na 2  O, SiO 2  and a blend of hydrotopic surfactants for increasing the permeability of the composition into the surface material wherein the pH of the composition is at least 11.0. 
     
     
       7. A method of preventing moss growth on a porous weather exposed surface material, the method comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous penetrant solution having a pH of at least 11.0 comprising Na 2  O and SiO 2  at a combined concentration between 10% and 30% (W/V);   spraying approximately 1 gallon of the solution per 100 square feet on the surface material to be protected; and   allowing the solution to dry on and in the surface material at ambient temperatures.   
     
     
       8. The method of claim 7 further comprising a step of adding a surfactant composition to the penetrant solution, wherein the surfactant composition is capable of increasing penetration of the penetrant solution into the surface without causing the Na 2  O and SiO 2  to precipitate. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 8 wherein the surfactant composition is a blend of hydrotopic surfactants. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 9 wherein the concentration of surfactant composition in the penetrant solution is approximately between 0.20% and 0.50% (V/V). 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 7 wherein the solution has a weight ratio of SiO 2  to Na 2  O in the range of 1.5 to 3.3. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 7 wherein the penetrant solution consists essentially of a weight ratio of SiO 2  and Na 2  O in the range of 1.5 to 3.3, and the combined concentration of Na 2  O and SiO 2  in the solution is between 10% and 30% (W/V). 
     
     
       13. A method of preventing parasitic growth on a porous weather exposed surface material, the method comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous penetrant solution having a pH of at least 11.0 comprising Na 2  O and SiO 2  at a combined concentration between 10% and 30% (W/V);   adding a surfactant composition to the penetrant solution, wherein the surfactant composition includes an amide and is capable of increasing penetration of the penetrant solution into the surface without causing the Na 2  O and SiO 2  to precipitate;   spraying approximately 1 gallon of the solution per 100 square feet on the surface material to be protected; and   allowing the solution to dry on and in the surface material at ambient temperatures.   
     
     
       14. A method of preventing parasitic growth on a porous weather exposed surface material, the method comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous penetrant solution having a pH of at least 11.0 comprising Na 2  O and SiO 2  at a combined Concentration between 10% and 30% (W/V);   spraying approximately 1 gallon of the solution per 100 square feet on the surface material to be protected wherein the solution is applied to the surface material to be protected through a diaphragm pump; and   allowing the solution to dry on and in the surface material at ambient temperatures.   
     
     
       15. A method of preventing parasitic growth on a porous weather exposed surface material, the method comprising the steps of: enclosing the porous material in a pressure chamber;   lowering the pressure in the chamber substantially below one atmosphere;   providing an aqueous penetrant solution having a pH of at least 11.0 comprising Na 2  O and SiO 2  at a combined concentration between 10% and 30% (W/V);   contacting the porous material with the penetrant solution; and   significantly increasing the pressure in the chamber so that the penetrant solution is driven deeply into the pores of the material.